Internal combustion engine,



0. T. NELSGN.

INTERNAL CUMBUSN ENGINE.

Mmc/mon msu Nov. x, i911.

Patented Apr. 6, 1920.

2 SHEETSMSHEETI U. T. NELSON.

XNTERNAL COMBUSUGN ENGINE.

APPLlcATmN HLEQ Nuv.1,19n.

1 ,336,372, Patented Apr. 6, 1920.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2 QE? m im wf@ UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

OSCAR T. NELSON, 0F CLEVELAND, OHIO, ASSIGNOR 0F FIFTY ER CENT. T0 C. A. BARN'HOLTH, OF AKRON, OHIO.

INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented pr. (i, ISIZU.

lle it known that l. (lama T. NnLSoN, a citizen of the llnited Staten. residin;A at ('leveland. in the comit)7 ol" Cuyahoga and. State ol' (lhio, ha ve invented a certain new and useful linproienwnt in lnternal-("om hnation Engines. ol' which the following is a tnll, clear. and exact dewription.

This invention relatw` to an internal comhuation engine. and embraces certain fea- .tures ot' construction which enahle it to be run in a given direction and in the reverse direction. as maY 'oe denired.

The invention lfurther consiste4 in certain details of construction and important results obtained thereby. as will appeal' more. fully in the followingspecification.

llefercuce should be had to the act-ompartying' drawings forming a part ot' this Specification. in which Figure 1 is a top plan view showingtwo cylinders of the invention; Fig. .2 is a top plan view ot' a six-cylinder engine; Fig. is a plan view of a rotary valve. and Fig'. l in a vertical Section through a cylinder ot' the engine and cooperating parta.

So i'ar as the hase of the engine. its crank hatt and cooperating parts is concerned, the engine is not generally different from usual types; ot engine.

'l`he invention ina)Y be embodied in engines havin, r various numberI of cylinders. but for the purpose ot' explanation and without;

forming antr limitation to the invention, I have chosen to illustrate a six-c vlinde1"engine.

Each c vlinder comprises the cylindial portion 1. havingl therein a piston 2. which is operated by a piston rod 3 connected to a crank shaft. not shown. The upper part of each c vlinder is closed by a top inember'4. which in bolted to the top of the cylinder, and cooperatiupl with the top lnemher 4 is what l term a rap 5. which is also provided for each cylinder. The top member 4 provides a chamber, G within 1t. and communicating" with the chamber is an opening' adapted to receive a spark plug 7. The chamber at its upper portion hasan intake port opening 8 which has a conical seat that cooperates with a valve head 9. The valve head is provided with a stein 10 and a down-` wardly extending Skirt 11.

ln the c vlinder itself and at one side of the cylindrical opening inthe cylinder is a.

well 12. This wel] is closed at the upper portion by a closure member 13 which has a central extension 1 l surrounded in part by. a culrshaped portion 15. The cup-shaped portion is adapted to receive the skirt 1l of the valve t). the inner wall of the skirt cooperatinglA with the central portion 14 of the, memher 12S. The central portion 1l of the member 123 is provided with an opening through which extend4 the valve stein 10. lt will he clear from the foregoing description that in the operation ot' the valve 5l it is ,guided hv the engagement ot' the rod 10 and the skirt 1l of the valve with the cooperating' portions ot' the, member 13.

Upon the end of the rod l0 opposite to the valve J is` a plunger 1G. This plunger tits within the well or opening 12, engaging with the walls; therein so as to have a close working tit..

The well 12 has communicating' therewith a channel 17 which connects the lower part' ot' the well 1;). with the space. above the cyl` inder in the'head member 4 so that whatever ma \r he the condition with regard to compression or exhausting,l in the chamber (l. the saine condition in regard to the pressure will obtain within the well 12 at the lower portion thereof, and this condition oi positive or negative pressure will exert its influence upon the onder side of the plunger 16.

The lower portion of the member 13 has a downward extension 18 which engages with the u )per portion of the plunger lfi so that the plunger cannot come up into close cngfagemelitJ with the under :aide ot' the member 13. hutwill be spaced Somewhat from the member 13, to provide a space 19 hetwecn. the top ot' the plunger 16 and the under portion ofthe member 13.

lt will be understood froln'tlic foregoing construction that when the piston 1'2 is nioviup` on its compression stroke. the pressure exerted beneath the valve El will cause it to more to its seat. This pressure will also he exerted upon the lower face of the plunger 1G. and thus.l assist the valve 9 in moving to its seated position. Then the piston 2 moving upon 'itsI suction stroke. the sue` tionproduced by the inorement of the cvlinder acta npon the under Aeide of the valve 9 as well aa upon the under .side of the phlnper 1G. and thereby causes; the movement of the valve fl to its unseated or'open poaition.

There is in connection with euch cylinder emplo ed in the engine such a. valve 9 as descrlbed which is mounted and operable with respect to the piston and c linder in the same manner as that which as just been described.

The space 1 9 which lies above the plunger 16 is by means of a suitable tube 20 connected with a similar space associated with another cylinder. That is to say the space 19 associated with the first cylinder may be connected with a similar space which is. associated with the fourth cylinder. The space 19 associated with the second cylinder may be connected with a similar space associated with a fifth cylinder, and in like manner the space portion of the third cylinder connected with a similar space upon the sixth cylinder. The particular cylinders connected which ,have been thus explained is merely stated by way of example, and is not to be understood limiting in any way connectiu other cylinders than those meutioned. he idea involved iu thus connecting tlye similar spaces 19 is to connect similar spaces which are associated with pistons that are performing similar functions at different times, that is to say, the cylinders thus 'connected wrfuld be so chosen that in one cylinder the piston wasmoving on its compression stroke, while in the other cylinder the piston was movingr upon its suction stroke.

)onsidering this feature it will be `seen that if the cylinder with which' the particular space l19 shown in Fig. 3 was connected vby nieans of the tube 20, was upon its compression stroke, the piston 2 shown in Fig. 3 would be upon its suction stroke. As -before explained, the movement ofthe piston 2 upon its suction stroke would tend to unseat the valve 9, but in addition to this, there would he supplied through the ipe 2() a pressure which would be effective agove the plunger 1G to assist in causing it to descend. 0n the other hand, when the piston 2 is upon its compression stroke and the plunger 16 would be forced upward, there would in turn be a pressure created in the chamber or space 19 which would be communicated through the pipe:20 to the similar space 19 associated with the other cylinder with which the pipe 2O is connected. This would then assist in the operation of the valve similar to the valve 9 in causing it to be unseatcd.

In u suitable recessed portion provided in the upper part of the head 4 and the lowerV portion of the ca 5 there is a' rotatable valve 21. This va ve is at the central portion mounted upon a short shaft 22 which finds bearing at opposite ends in the cap 5 and the head 4. At the peripheral portion of ,the valve, there is an overla ping portion 5l of the cap 5 against whici the valve 21 engages as 1t rotates.

Preferably the valve at its` outer end is provided with an inwardly extending skirt or flange 23 which engages ,with a suitable annular wall formed 1u thl -upper portion of the head 4.

In the head lthere is formed an annular wall 24 which is connected by means of a suitable pipe 25 with an outside source of oil under pressure. Oil therefore occupies the annular groove 24 and is under pressure. In the flange 23 of the valve there is an annular groove 26 which coperates with one portion-of the groove 24 so that oil is maintained in the groove 26 of the valve.

In the head 4 there is an annular packing ring 27 which packing ring is also 1n cornmunication with the ol channel 24. Therefore, the oil being under pressure, acts not only as a lubricant for the ring, but as a packing as well. The pressure which is exerted by the oil in the channel 24 holds the valve, that is to say, the periphery thereof, into close contact at the top thereof with the extension 5 upon the cap 5.

The foregoing construction not only acts to lubricate the valve, -but also forms a packing which prevents the escape of gases around the edge of the valve.

The head 4 is provided with three valve openings, an inlet valve o ning 2S, and an inlet valve-opening 29, an an exhaust valve openin which is not shown in Fig. 4, but which 1s shown in dotted .lines at 30 in Fig. 3.I The relative position of the ports 28, 29, 30, is also shown in Fig. 3. The portopenings 28 and 29 are in communication by means of a channel 31 which is formed in the head 4.

The opening which is closed by the valve 9 is thereforein communication with both the ports 28 and 29, and gas enterinthrough either of -these ports is thus availa le t0 be su lied to the cylinder as may be required. he valve 21 is provided with. a. single opening 32, this opening 32 being adapted to cooperate with .the various ports which are formed in the head 4. In accordance with the direction of rotation of the crank shaft, the ort 32 in the valve 21 will cooperate wit the intake port 28 and the ex-v haust ort 30, or with. the intake port 29 and the ex aust port 30. When the valve 21 rotates in a clockwise direction the port 32 will coperate with the intake port 28' and the exhaust ort 30, and under these conditions the cydle of operation-of the piston 2 will be such that during its intake eriod the port 32 will becoperatingwith t e port 2S and the port 29 will be closed by the unperforated ortion of the valve/21. At such timel un er the condition mentioned as the port 32 would co erste with the port 29 the cylinder 2 is eit er under itsy compression stroke or at the iiringstage', so that the valve order, explosions of compressed gas will take place and the engine be started.

On the other hand, it it be desired to cause the crank shaft to turn in the opposite direction, air under pressure will he admitted through the pipe,52 which will cause the same operations with respect to the valve 48 as that which has been described with respect to the valve 48, and under conditions last named the cylinders under their suction stroke will receive their fuel-gas h v wav ot the chamber del.

Having described my invention, what I claim is:

l. In an internal combustion combination with a cylinder therein and a cylinder head. ot' a rotatable valve within said head. said head heine` provided with two inlet o peninigrsA and an exhaust opening. said valve being' provided with an openingwhich in turningr in one direction cooperates with one ot the inlet openings and the exhaust. and. when turning in the opposite direction cooperates with the other ot the inlet openings and the exhaust. means connecting said inlet openings, a single valvular means controllingv the passage et gas from the inlet openings to the c vlinder. said valvular means being moved to closed position when ras under pressure is within the cylinder. and means for. operating the rotatable valve to cooperate with either of the inlet ports and the exhaust port.

Q. In an internal coinubstiou engine. the, combination with a c vlinder having a piaton therein and a c vlinder head, said c`v|in der head providing' a Space above the cvlinder for the reception ol" tuel gas. a rotatable valve within the c vlinder head. said head heine provided with two inlet openings and an exhaust openinfr. said valve being` provided with an ope-uintV which when turning in ono direction eoiiperates with one ot' the inlet openings and the exhaust. and when turning in the opposite direction cooperates with the other ot' the inlet openings and the exhaust. said cylinder head having chamhered portions adjacent the inlet openings. and .said head beineV provided with a channel-wa-v which connects the chainhered portions. said cylinder head beine` provided with an openintr which controls the passage of tuel gas from the chamber` adjacent the inlet openings to the chamber in the head above the c vlinder. valvular means coperating with the said opening. said 1Salve heinemoved to closed position when gras under pressure is within the c vlinder. and means for operating the rotatable valve to eoperate with either of the inlet ports and the exhaust port.

il. In au internal combustion engine. the combination `with a cylinder having a pis- `ton therein and a cylinder head, said eylinengine. the

having a instonl der head being provided with a chamber which cooperates with the open end of the c vlinder, said head being provided with two inlet ports and an exhaust port. there being chambers` formed in the said head adjacent the said inlet ports, the chamber having a. passageway by which the chambers adjacent the inlet ports are in communication, an opening in the cylinder head h v which fuel gaze may pass from the chambere adjacent the inlet openings to the chamber adjacent the open end ot the cylinder, valvular means controlling the passage of gas through the said openings. said valvular means being' moved to closed position when gas under pressure is within the cylinder, `separate fuel receivingr chambers formed in the said cylinder head. each ot' said fuel receiving chambers colninunicatinp4 with one ot the inlet ports. a rotatable valve mounted within the cylinder head. said rotatable valve heine' provided with an opening which coperates when turningir in one direction with one of the inlet ports and the exhaust opcnings. and when turnin.;r in the opposite direetion cooperates with the other ot the inlet openings and the exhaust. and means.Y for operating the rotatable Halve to cooperate with either of the inlet ports and the exhaust port.

4. In an internal combustion engine, the

combination with a c vlinder having a piston therein and a eylinderliead. said cvlinder head havingr a partition therein which forms a chamber in communication with the open end ot the cylinder. said partition be ingr provided with an openine'. valvular mean,V cof'peratiugwith the said oi'iening, which valvular means ie moved to closed position when tlas under pressure within the cvlinder. Isaid c vlinder head heine' prol vided with two gaa receiving' chambers. there being inlet ports termed in the head which comnninitaite with the gas receivingr chambers. each ot said inlet ports having.r a chamber in communication therewith. the said chambers adjacent the inlet ports being in coninninication. a rotatable valve within the c vlinder head and controllingr the passage ot ,Las from the gras receiving chambers through the inlet ports. said rotatable valve heine' provided with an opening which eooperates with one ot the inlet openings and the exhaust opening' when the valve is turned in one direction. and cooperate# with the, other ol the inlet openings and the exhaust when the valve is turned in the opposite direction. and means for operating the rotatable valve to cooperate with either of the inlet poro` and the exhaust port.

o. In an internal combustion engine. the combination with a cvlinder having a piston therein and a cylinder head. said cylinder head heine provided with a partition which forms a chamber adjacent the open end of the cylinder, valvular means -controlling said opening in the partition, said valvular means being moved to closed position when gas under pressure is Within the c linder head, inlet passageways formed in t e cylinder head between the said valve and the said partition, the said inlet passageways being in communication with each other, the said cylinder head being'provided with gas receiving chambers, said valvular means being provided with an opening which is adapted to cooperate with one of the iniet openings when turning in one direction, and to coperate with the other of said inlet openings when turning in the opposite direction, the said rotatable valve controlling the passage of gas from the as receiving chambers in the cylinder heat? to the inlet openings, separate manifold connection to each of said inlet chambers, and means for operating the rotatable valve to coperate with either of the inlet ports.

6. In an internal combustion engine, the combination with a cylinder having a piston therein and a cylinder head, of a rotatable valve Within the cylinder head, said head being provided with two inlet openings and an exhaust opening, said valve being provided With an opening Which when the valve turns in one direction cooperates with one of the inlet openings and the exhaust and when the valve turns in the opposite direction coperates With the other of the inlet openings and the exhaust opening, said cylinder head being provided with separate gas receiving chambers, each of v h coperates with one of the inlet ports, and means for operating the first mentioned valve to coperate with either of the inlet ports and the exhaust port.

7. In an interna-l combustion engine, the combination with a cylinder having a piston therein and a cylinder head, of a rotatable valve within the cylinder head, said head being provided with two inlet openings and an exhaust opening, said valve being provided With an opening which when the valve ,turns in one direction coperates with one of the inlet openings and the exhaust and when the valve turns in the opposite direction coperates with the 4other of the inlet openings and the exhaust opening, said cylinder head being provided with separate gas receiving chambers, each of which cooperates with one of the inlet openings, a separate manifold connected with each of said gas receiving chambers, and means for operating the said rotatable valve to cooperate with either of the inlet ports and the exhaust port.

8. In an internal combustion engine. the combination with a cylinder having a piston therein and a cylinder head. of a rotatable valve within the cylinder head, said head being provided with two inlet openings and tion coperates with the other of the inlet openings and the exhaust opening, Said cylV inder head being provided with separate gas` receiving chambers, a separate manifold cooperating With each of the said gas,reoeii-j ing chambers, an air conduit and` ages conduit connected with each of said man'folds valvular means controlling the passage o air from the gas conduit and the ail" coli-5,

duit to the manifold, said valve being o 13E-1.

erated by the pressure of the air or gas, t e Y vaive being moved to close the as conduit when air is admitted through t e air duit, and being moved to, close the air con, i

duit when conduit.

9. In an internal combustion engine, the combination with a cylinder having a piston therein and a cylinder head, of a rotatable valve within the cylinder head, said head being provided with two inlet openings and an exhaust opening, said valve being provided with an opening which when the valve turns in one direction cooperates with one of the inlet openings of the exhaust and when the valve turns in the opposite direction coperates with the other of the inlet openings and the exhaust opening, said cylinder head being provided with separate kreceiving chambers, each of which chambers cooperate with an inlet port, a separate manifold cooperating with each gas receiving chamber, each of said manifolds having an air conduit and a gas conduit connected therewith, a movable valve having a. valvular ortion which controls the passage of air rom its conduit o the manifold, and also having a valvular portion which controls the passage of gas to the manifold, the said valve when in position to permit the flow of either the gas or air, preventing the fiow of the other, and means for operating the first mentioned valve to coperate with either oi the inlet Yports and the exhaust port. l

i0. In an internal combustion engine, the combination with a cylinder having a piston therein and a cylinder head, of a rotatable valve within the cylinder head, said head beingr provided withtwo inlet open-A ings and an exhaust opening, said valve being provided with an opening which when the valve turns in one direction coperates with one of the inlet openings and the exhaust and when the valve turns inthe opposite direction coperates with the other of the inlet openings and the exhaust opening, said cylinder head being provided with two separate gas receiving chambers, separate manifolds coperating with each of said gas gas is admitted through the gas env receiving chambers, an air conduit and a fuel conduit cooperating with each of the said manifolds, valvular means associated with each manifold, permitting the flow of either air or fuel gas and preventing the flow of the other, thev relation being such that when air is admitted through one manifold thereby creating a pressure to start the movement of the piston, gas will he supplied to the engine through the other of said manifolds.

11. In an internal combustion engine the combination with a pluralit of cylinders, each of said cylinders having a cylinder head, a rotatable valve within each cylinder head, each cylinder head being provided with two inlet .and an exhaust openings, said valve being provided with an opening which when turning in one direction coperates with one of the inlet openings and the exhaust opening, and when turning in the other direction cooperates with the other of the inlet openings and the exhaust opening, means for operating said rotatable valves, the several valves in the cylinders being set so as to effect a different timing in each of the said cylinders, each cylinder head being provided with two fuel gas receiving chambers, two manifolds, each manifold coperating with one of the gas receiving chambers upon each cylinder, an air conducting conduit and a fuel gas conduit cooperating with each of the said manifolds, valvular means for controlling the passage of air and fuel gas whereby when either air or gas is supp ied to the mani-:old the other is shut oil, the relationship between the several parts being surh that when air is supplied to one manifold for the purpose of effecting movement in such of the cylinders as are in condition to receive the air,- fuel gas will be supplied to the cylinders through the other of said manifolds. v

l2. In an internal combustion engine, the combination of a plurality of cylinders each having a piston therein, and each. provided with a cylinder head, a rotatable valve within each cylinder head said head being provided with an inlet valve and an exhaust valve, the rotatable valve being provided with an openingP which when the valve turns cooperates with the ai'mesaiu openings, a valve for controlling the passage of gas from `the inlet opening to the cylinder, a plunger upon which said valve is mounted. a casing for the plunger the lower portion of said casing beneath the plunger being connected with the portion of the cylinder which is above the piston whereby the valve is operated in accordance with the pressure conditions in the upper part of the cylinderthe said casing providing an inelosed spare above the plunger, the several spaces above the plnngers for the different cylindre be ing interconnected in such a manner that when there is a period of compression in one of the cylinders the cylinder with which it is connected will he upon its exhaust stroke.

In testimony whereof l hereunto aflix my signature.

OSCAR T. NELSON. 

